Denver Nuggets Flash Their Dominance in Toronto

Nikola Jokić – A

Nikola Jokić finally scored 30 points against the Raptors. It’s a sneaky significant statistic, depending on your investment in Jokić’s dominance. He’s now scored at least 30 points against every possible opponent in the NBA. He did it all from the paint and three-point range in Toronto.

Jokić shot 3/5 from a distance, essential to his side quest for 30. He grabbed 15 rebounds, dished out six assists, and blocked two shots. He has returned to comfortable dominance. With the starting lineup back in place, he’s not just in control; he has his choice in how to dictate the outcome. Order restored.

Jamal Murray – B-

Murray played loosely in essentially a homecoming game for the Kitchener native. He took 22 shots, some with high flash and difficulty, makes and misses alike. He had a shaky hand on the wheel while the Raptors pushed back late, but he stabilized and synched up with Jokić to put the game away.

The Nuggets aren’t the same team in crunch time this year. Much of that can be blamed on Murray’s extended absence and the time needed to get back into a rhythm. With order seemingly restored, it’s fair to expect regression to the mean in that department. The two-man game is still dangerous.

Aaron Gordon – B

AG lost the tempo for a stretch while playing with an injured ankle. He stuck out like a poor drummer in an otherwise competent band. He took some time off and now looks like himself again. He’s back in the flow, playing comfortably and intelligently while injecting some bully ball into Denver’s offense when needed. You can only be the Nahgets with Mr. Nugget. I’m sorry if you’re not sure what that sentence means.

Michael Porter Jr. – C

Porter tweaked his ankle early in the game but stayed on the floor. He went on to shoot poorly. He’s not above that this season, so it’s hard to say that the ankle affected him. He might’ve just missed the shots. Either way, Porter stayed engaged through the slump, played with decent energy, and sunk the dagger in the fourth quarter.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – A-

KCP is doing KCP things again. He was efficient on low-volume in Toronto and a pest defensively. He finished with two steals and two blocks against the Raptors. His steals are always highlights. He’s got lightning-quick hands and seemingly mastered the art of reaching without fouling in the modern era. He’s like Shaq Harrison with a jumper. Never has it been more challenging to excel where KCP does.

Reggie Jackson – C

It could have been a more dynamic and clean performance from Jackson. But he did post a 4:1 ast/tov ratio, and all is well that ends well when your teammates pick up the slack.

Peyton Watson – B+

Forget about providing a consistent effort. Watson is consistently producing. He was Denver’s leading scorer off the bench with 11 points, shooting 5/6 from the field. He knocked down a silky turnaround jumper and another 3. The three-point shot is going in lately. That’s the crucial detail. But the shot looks noticeably more comfortable for him, too. That’s particularly exciting for his long-term development.

Christian Braun – C-

This is one to forget about for Braun. Despite that, he did knock down another three-pointer. I still wouldn’t describe him as a shooter, but he is shooting 38.5% from 3 on the season.

Julian Strawther – B

Strawther is flashing some defensive playmaking ability. He’s not just a reliable defender but also shows an aptitude for timely steals. That’s the bench’s bread and butter — their best chance at replicable success this season. He’s presenting an excellent case to be viewed as more than just a shooter.

Zeke Nnaji – C-

The bench defended at a high level in their first stint. Nnaji was a part of that. This Nnaji discussion is thorny because it requires some critical concessions and clarifications. He’s not producing off the bench. He has yet to develop much as a four-year player. There’s little value when compared to his peers around the league. But that doesn’t mean he’s providing zero value to the Denver Nuggets. He can be an asset defensively. Whether that adds to more than what DAJ delivers is debatable. Still, it is different and theoretically more conducive to the over-discussed identity of the second unit.